Acquisitions Editor

University of South Carolina Press; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina Press in Columbia, SC seeks an entrepreneurial full-time Acquisitions Editor to acquire 20–25 books per year, focused on Southern history, African American studies, and civil rights studies. This in-person role welcomes experienced editors as well as those beginning their acquisitions journey, and emphasizes campus relationship building.

Responsibilities include managing acquisitions, transmittals to Editorial/Design/Production, project positioning with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; two or more years of related experience or equivalent.
• Preferred: Master's degree and two years of professional work in publishing/acquisitions.
• Demonstrated track record in publishing acquisitions is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead acquisitions for 20–25 scholarly and general interest books annually in Southern history, African American studies, and civil rights studies.
• Solicit submissions, manage peer review, and work with editors to develop projects and secure funding when possible.
• Present projects to internal committees and help with pricing, contracts, and production handoffs.

Skills

Acquisitions

Editing

Scholarly publishing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

The University of South Carolina Press, located in Columbia at the state's flagship university, seeks an entrepreneurial full-time Acquisitions Editor to acquire 20-25 scholarly and general interest books annually, primarily in the fields of Southern history, African American studies, and civil rights studies. We welcome applications from experienced acquisitions editors as well as individuals beginning their acquisitions journey. This is an in-person role enriched by opportunities to build professional relationships on campus, in Columbia, and throughout the state.

Primary responsibilities:

• Acquisitions: Contract publishing projects in assigned fields that contribute to the Press mission of publishing premier scholarship and authentic stories. Actively solicit submissions and work closely with series editors to facilitate a steady flow of projects; evaluate solicited and unsolicited projects; manage peer review; estimate costs and revenues; identify sources of outside funding and secure grants to offset publishing expenses; present projects to internal Acquisitions Committee and faculty Press Committee.
• Transmittals: Transmit manuscripts to Editorial, Design, and Production department. Ensure authors adhere to Press policies and procedures and meet deadlines; submit final manuscripts and illustrative materials to the EDP for review and approval and manage authors' preparation of final files.
• Positioning: Contribute to positioning of projects through seasonal presentations and copywriting, collaborating with Marketing department.
• Community engagement: Represent the Press during university, community, and professional activities, including scholarly meetings and campus visits. Events and activities may occur outside of standard work hours.
• Mentorship: Supervise and mentor student interns.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a job-related field.
• Two or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job-related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree and two years or bachelor's degree and four years of professional work experience in book publishing and acquisitions.
• Demonstrated track record of publishing acquisitions productivity and success.
• Demonstrated expertise and/or interest in one or more of the primary acquisitions areas.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.